HAROLD RAYMOND COOK

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HAROLD RAYMOND COOK One of the most fascinating things about golf is how it reflects the cycle of life. No matter what you shoot, the next day you have to go back to the first tee and begin all over again and make yourself into something. That was the life of Raymond Cook; he made his life into something. Raymond or Papa as we affectionately called him lived a full, active and loved life. On March 19, 2005, he left a divot in our hearts. He came into the world February 25, 1923 in a small farmhouse in Anola. Papa was part of a large family and had wonderful sisters and brothers and in-laws, Edna Laurie, Evelyn Ralston, Marion Laurie (Lawrence), Audrey Roberts (Donald), Margaret Thompson (Arthur), Robert (Gladys), Carl (Ruth), and Nolan (Joan). Papa walked the greens of life, serving his country during The Second World War with the Argyle and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada. During his service overseas, he met his future bride and love, Evon Dorothy Sivyer at a wartime dance and married her on November 3, 1945 in London, England. When they arrived in Canada, they started a family on a small farm in Glass, MB. The nine years that followed brought four beautiful daughters into their lives with special in-laws, Sally Colomy (Ron), Kathy Redmond (Reg), Bonnie Chalmers (Pete) and Jennifer Cook. His life was full of great moments, some of which came from the wonderful grandchildren and in-laws, Sheri Habing (Jason), Darren Colomy (Sarah), Raelyn Chalmers (Marc), Alana Chalmers (Jamie), Jessica Redmond, and Shane Redmond. Being a grandfather was one thing, to become great another. It was wonderful to see Papa laugh at many things but most touching to see a shared and loving laugh with one of his great-grandchildren, Nicole Habing, Cassandra Habing, Aurora Habing, Marissa Colomy and the newest, Hannah Jean Caldwell. Each member of his family touched his life to help him become the best brother, husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather he could be. Papa loved spending time with people. Crib, poker, curling, golf and gaming were many of the ways he enjoyed time with friends and family. He was a farmer who loved the sun on his face and knew how to make something out of anything. Papa had a fabulous sense of humour and wit, which could be heard through one of his many speeches, toasts or in one of his poems. A bit of laughter is in everything he touched. An enthusiastic participant in life, Papa leaves a great legacy. He was a member of the Transcona Legion No. 7, a member of the Masonic Ophir Lodge No. 112, and President of the Springfield Curling Club for many years and was awarded an honorary life membership with Manitoba Curling Association. Farming and his love of community saw him as President of the Springfield Agricultural Society and he was an honorary life time member. You might remember his alias as Huck-A-Boot Hank at the Wellington Boot Throwing Contest held in Dugald at the Springfield Agricultural Fair. For his spirit and love, he will be remembered everywhere and in everything. I'm a thousand winds that blow. I'm the diamond glint on snow. I'm sunlight on ripened grain. I'm the gentle rain. When you awaken in the morning hush, I'm the swift uplifting rush. Of quiet birds in circled flight, I'm the soft stars that shine in the night. Transcona Funeral Chapel, 1800 Day St., Thursday, March 24 at 1:00 p.m. Officiating Rev. Dawn Ballintine-Dickson. Reception to follow at Dugald Community Club. Private interment at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Anola School Playground Committee or the local community organization of your choice. When in trouble, play the shot you know you can play, not the shot you hope you can play. - Jack Burke Jr.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 22, 2005